Mykonos Guide

Mykonos is part of a cluster of islands including Delos, Rhenia and some rocky islets. Mykonos, already inhabited since the 5th millennium B.C. (prehistoric settlement of Ftelia), has shared with them a long and copious history with them. Its intense tourist and cosmopolitan activity, which has continiously kept Mykonos in the foreground, inevitably reminds us of the cosmopolitan ancient Delos during the period of its commercial peak (Hellenistic-roman period).
Since the fifties, Mykonos has always been one of the most popular tourist islands of the Mediterranean.
Chora, as the town of Mykonos is commonly known, impresses and casts its spell on the visitor from the first moment, with its beautiful position, scale and architecture. Despite the great tourist development of the island, it manages to maintain its cycladic features and traditional look, like few other towns.
Its cube-shaped, all white houses glow in the sunlight, scattered wisely and orderly in the countless labyrinthine alleys and streets with whitewashed cobbled pavements. A little further, on a low hill, the windmills, having stood for centuries, compose a picture of unparalleled beauty in combination with red domes and bell towers of the countless churches. In the harbour, a small colorful flotilla of caiques and fishing boats completes this unique picture with its vivid colors.
All in all, maintaining the form of the traditional architecture of the Cyclades on the modern buildings ensures a unique feeling of harmony to the town and interior of Mykonos. Nothing can be compared, though, to the emotion inspired by the enthralling space of ancient Delos. A real town with its streets and markets, public buildings and temples, luxurious houses and shops, cisterns, columns, mosaics…

It is the ultimate spot in Mykonos to gaze at Delos and feel its energy. Named after the picturesque church of Agios Ioannis. The setting is ideal: golden sandy beach, crystal clear water and a view of the sacred island of antiquity right across. You will choose it if you are looking for peace and quiet and fine fish taverns. Situated 3.5 km northwest of Chora.

Panormos

Northern bay with crystal clear waters, 5 km away from Chora. It is susceptible to northerly winds, hence ideal for windsurf stunts. Due to its lounge feel, the beach bars and the wild beauty, you will fall for it. In Panormos you will not find sun beds but bean bags.

Super Paradise

In this famous beach bar of Mykonos, 6.5 km southeast of Chora, the mood hits red. An idyllic scenery with golden sand and turquoise waters, sun beds, showers and exemplary beach service. Also found here the namesake bar that made Plintri (the original name of the beach) known worldwide, due to the party atmosphere from dusk until dawn.

Ornos

Preferred by families and mostly Greeks, it is one of the most frequently visited organized beaches of Mykonos. The small fish port facing the North accommodates taverns, restaurants, café bars, sun beds, umbrellas, rooms to let and wi-fi. In this sheltered bay dock many yachts and sailboats, while this is the departure point for the boats to Super Paradise, Agrari and Elia. 4 km away from Chora. The sports enthusiasts should know that here they can also hone their skills in beach volley.

Psarou

The joy of celebrities and VIPs, on the way to Platis Gialos. There is no exaggeration in saying that all – and we mean all – the island’s celebrities gather in this famous bay with the crystal clear waters and the golden sand, in order to enjoy the 5 stars beach service. Good looking people, packed wallets, luxurious yachts at the foreground and one of the world’s hottest beach bars create the profile of Psarou. 4.5 km south of Chora.

Delos is the Sacred Island of the Ancient Greek, which according to mythology, was revealed among the waves of the Aegean to Leto, who was being chased by the jealous Hero; it was the refuge where she gave birth to Apollo and Artemis.
On Delos are found the admirably well-preserved ruins of one of the largest, most significant, and best- organized ancient Greek settlements. The island was first settled, probably by the Kares, about the 3rd millennium B.C. In the beginning of the 8th cent. B.C. it developed into a center of worship and was the capital city of an amphictyony of Aegean island.

At the end of the 6th cent B.C., the tendency of the Athenians was to take over the island: IN 540 B.C. Peisistratos ordered the first purification of the sanctuary. As a result of the second purification (426 B.C.) the entire contents of all the islands graves were remove to neighboring Rhenia. Afterwards in order to prevent desecration of the sanctuary, both births and deaths were forbidden on the island of Appolo.
The Athenians consecrated the first “Delia” dedicated to Leto, Artemis, and Apollo. In 315 B.C., when Macedonians arrived on the island, Delos achieved its independence and developed commercially.
During the Roman period, the island thrived, until, until 88 B.C.; the population included Egyptians, Syrians and Italians. Then, after two dreadful attacks during the Mithridatic War, Delos went into decline and was finally abandoned in the 6th cent A.D.
In the 1873 the French Archaeological School of Athens started excavations and restoration enabling the wealth of the islands history to be revealed to everyone who is interested. The Archaeological Museum of Delos house one of Greece’s most significant collections, including rare exhibits of ancient sculpture ceramic vessels, epigraphs and wonderful mosaics etc.
The sites of Delos and Rhenia are under the protection of the Ministry of Culture; thus, both the mooring of private boats there and staying overnight without official permission are strictly forbidden.